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Ford Motor Co. has recently scaled back its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, joining other companies in responding to growing conservative pressure.
In a move that reflects the changing social and political landscape, Ford informed employees that it will no longer participate in an annual survey conducted by an LGBTQ advocacy group, nor will it use quotas for minority dealerships and suppliers.
Ford Adjusts DEI Policies
The decision highlights the evolving stance of corporate America on DEI issues amid increasing backlash from conservative activists.
An internal communication shared with Ford's global workforce, which was also posted on social media platform X, detailed the company's decision to reevaluate its DEI policies. The automaker emphasized the need to adapt to the changing external and legal environment related to political and social issues.
"We are mindful that our employees and customers hold a wide range of beliefs," Ford CEO Jim Farley stated in an internal email, obtained by USA TODAY through Robby Starbuck.
Ford's decision mirrors similar moves by other companies. Recently, Tractor Supply, a prominent retailer, made headlines by discontinuing its DEI initiatives, including ending its partnership with the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group.
Harley-Davidson, where Ford CEO Jim Farley serves on the board, also decided to stop using the Human Rights Campaign's metrics for assessing LGBTQ employee treatment and clarified that it does not maintain a DEI function.
These companies have cited the need to better align with the values of their customer base, which often resides in rural areas or holds conservative views.
As conservative activists gain momentum, other companies, including home improvement retailer Lowe's, have indicated a willingness to review their DEI policies. Activists like Robby Starbuck and others, emboldened by a recent Supreme Court decision that banned affirmative action in colleges, are focusing on the private sector, advocating for a reevaluation of DEI, climate change policies, and other social issues affecting the LGBTQ community.
Starbuck has a massive following on social media and has been known to use his platform to influence corporate decisions by rallying conservative sentiments.
While many business leaders have publicly affirmed their commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially following the social justice movements that surged after George Floyd's death in 2020, there is a noticeable shift in the approach behind closed doors.
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Companies' DEI Commitments
Companies are increasingly scrutinizing their DEI investments and are stepping back from initiatives like hiring targets, which some conservatives argue amount to illegal quotas.
Ford's latest move involves withdrawing from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index and its "best places to work" surveys, according to NBC New York.
Additionally, Ford has made its employee resource groups accessible to all employees, signaling a shift towards inclusivity without specific DEI benchmarks. However, the full extent of the changes to Ford's overall DEI policies and programs remains unclear.
Ford's decision to alter its DEI strategy underscores the challenges companies face in balancing diverse employee and customer beliefs with external pressures. As the nation grapples with cultural tensions surrounding race, gender, and family, the actions of companies like Ford are likely to influence broader corporate strategies and set precedents for how businesses approach diversity and inclusion in the future.
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